‘Fresher’s Flu’

There isn’t an actual medical condition called ‘Fresher’s Flu’, but anecdotally students are more prone to catching a virus that lays them low in the first few months of university life. This isn’t too surprising, as students gather from all parts of the country and the rest of the world, sharing coughs and colds that our immune systems aren’t used to. These viruses also spread more easily because students are often gathered in large numbers, in close proximity, for example in lecture theatres and halls of residence.

Added to this mix is often poor diet, less sleep, alcohol, and other drugs that make us more vulnerable to illness.

Getting more sleep. We know that part of the fun of university is the late nights and going out, but by trying to space these out with some more relaxed night in you’ll be making yourself much more resilient against illness.